Digital TV Logos

Many satellite and terrestrial digital receivers, TVs and other AV equipment are plastered with symbols proclaiming their abilities – in the adverts, on the packaging, on removable stickers on the front panel, or printed directly on the casing as a permanent reminder. Although some manufacturers clearly believe that when it comes down to logos, more is defi nitely merrier, they can provide a handy specifi cation guide once you know their mystic meaning.

Freesat

Freesat

Only satellite receivers and integrated TVs compatible with, and licensed by Freesat can carry the Freesat logo. It means that the receiver is able to receive all the (SD) Freesat channels (when connected to a suitable dish), receive and display the Freesat EPG, receive Freesat interactive services, automatically update its channel list of Freesat channels, and is set up and operated within the same guidelines as other Freesat receivers. Satellite receivers without the logo can usually pick up the channels but not the other services.

Freesat HD

This logo is carried by Freesat receivers that are able to receive the high-definition Freesat channels (BBC One HD, BBC HD and ITV1 HD). Apart from reception and output of the HD channels, all other aspects of the receiver are the same as standard-defi nition Freesat boxes.

Freesat+

The Freesat+ logo indicates that a receiver will pause and record Freesat broadcasts using a built-in hard disc drive. Freesat+ boxes have two tuners to record/watch two channels at once and can be set to automatically record subsequent programmes in a series. All Freesat+ recorders are also Freesat HD receivers, able to receive (and record) all Freesat HD and SD channels – the same does not apply to Freeview+ recorders.

3D

As yet, there is no universally agreed standardisation of 3D formats for broadcast TV, and so no offi cial ‘3D-Ready’ logo for TVs or receivers. This has not stopped some manufacturers from labelling their products with a 3D logo, but you should not assume that one product with a 3D logo will necessarily work with another with a diff erent (or even the same) logo. Sky+ HD receivers have no 3D logo but will (of course) receive Sky 3D transmissions and can provide a 3D display with all the leading models of 3D TVs.

Audio Description

The AD logo is worn by equipment such as digital receivers and recorders that is able to receive the additional soundtrack broadcast with some programmes to describe what is happening on screen for visually-impaired viewers. UK broadcasters are required to provide this service on many of their programmes.

Digital Tick

This certifi cation mark is assigned by Digital UK and carried by TVs, Freeview and satellite (Freesat and Sky) receivers and recorders to show that they will work through the digital switchover. However, the lack of a Digital Tick logo does not necessarily mean that the equipment will not work after the switchover, as manufacturers and importers of foreign-made equipment, in particular, do not usually apply for the Digital Tick certifi cation.

The Digital Tick logo is also displayed by service providers such as Sky, Freesat and Freeview to show that they broadcast digital services, and by licensed Registered Digital Installers to indicate that they are insured, safe, and qualifi ed to install digital aerials and other equipment.

Ethernet/Broadband/LAN

Many receivers have an Ethernet connection for accessing the internet via a local area network, which may potentially be used for downloading software upgrades, communicating payment and authorisations, or for streaming broadband catch-up TV. The logo indicating an Ethernet connection does not guarantee that any of these facilities are provided - Freesat HD receivers use broadband to access the BBC iPlayer, whereas the Ethernet socket on Sky+HD boxes has only just been put to use.

DiSEqC 1.0/DiSEqC 1.1

The Digital Satellite Equipment Control (DiSEqC) standard was developed to enable satellite receivers to switch between LNBs receiving signals from diff erent satellites. The DiSEqC 1.0 standard allows for a receiver to select between up to four LNBs while the DiSEqC 1.1 standard can connect to as many as 16. Receivers with these logos can produce the required DiSEqC commands, which are sent up the LNB cable to either suitable DiSEqC switches or monoblock LNBs at the dish, which perform the actual switching function.

DiSEqC 1.2/USALS

Digital Satellite Equipment Control (DiSEqC) level 1.2 allows a satellite receiver to control a motorised dish mount using only the single LNB signal cable. DiSEqC commands to the motor are sent along the co-ax cable superimposed on the supply voltage, to a DiSEqC 1.2 motor to move the dish east, west or to a stored satellite position, store a position, set movement limits and reset itself. The USALS system, developed by Stab, extends the idea to provide automatic satellite position-finding.

Dolby Digital/Dolby Digital Plus

A digital TV receiver with a Dolby Digital logo is able to decode the Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound soundtrack (also called AC-3), which is broadcast with most HD TV. Dolby Digital sound is delivered via the digital audio (S/PDIF) socket or HDMI, which must be connected to a Dolby Digital surround sound system.

Dolby Digital Plus is an enhanced format supporting up to 13 sound channels of improved quality, designed for HD broadcast platforms, and is used in the Freeview HD system.

Freeview

Freeview

Carried by terrestrial digital receivers and integrated TVs compatible with (and licensed by) Freeview. This means that the receiver can receive all the Freeview channels available in your area when connected to a suitable aerial, receive and display the Freeview EPG, receive Freeview interactive services, and is set up and operated like other Freeview receivers.

Freeview HD

Freeview receivers that are able to receive the high-defi nition Freeview channels (BBC One HD, BBC HD, ITV1 HD and 4HD) display the Freeview HD logo. These receivers will also receive SD Freeview channels, and other aspects of the receiver are the same as other Freeview boxes. HD terrestrial receivers without the Freeview HD logo (e.g. overseas models) may not receive the Freeview HD channels.

Freeview+

The Freeview+ logo indicates that a receiver will operate as a Freeview receiver and it will record programmes and/or pause live broadcasts, using a built-in hard disc drive. Freeview+ boxes may have two tuners (to record/ watch two channels at once) but not all do. However, the timer is set from the EPG and will automatically record subsequent programmes in a series. Freeview+ recorders may be SD or HD receivers. DTT recorders without a Freeview+ logo will not necessarily have all the features (such as series recording) of Freeview+.

Geoff Bains